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ATLANTA (May 8, 2012) — Habitat for Humanity today announced the launch of BUiLD, a movement to raise awareness about the global housing need and raise support for Habitat for Humanity’s mission to end poverty housing. To celebrate the launch, individuals are invited to visit habitat.org/build, answer the question “What will you build?” with an inspirational message and upload a photo. For each photo submitted, Nissan will donate $5 to Habitat for Humanity, up to $250,000.

BUiLD is a campaign created by Habitat for Humanity to help address the global housing crisis, which includes more than 1.6 billion people living in substandard housing. Through public outreach and promotions online and in stores, BUiLD seeks to put housing on people’s hearts and minds while raising funds for Habitat to provide decent, affordable housing.

“This is an exciting campaign that builds on Habitat’s long-standing relationships with businesses that share our values and offer consumers ways to get involved,” said Chris Clarke, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president of marketing and communications. “Through BUiLD, corporate partners such as Nissan help us expand our reach to bring more housing – and hope – to families around the world.”

“Our partnership with Habitat aligns with priorities that we care deeply about,” said Jon Brancheau, Nissan Marketing vice president. “We care about enriching people’s lives and building stronger communities. We care about extending humanitarian relief, helping families in need. The BUiLD campaign is a creative approach that draws attention to an important mission.”

By distinguishing the “i” in “BUiLD,” the initiative challenges and inspires individuals to make a personal commitment to help change the world through decent housing for all.

After uploading their photo, participants can email habitatworld@habitat.org with their BUiLD message to be entered to win one of 50 Habitat prize packs. Six selected entries will be featured in Habitat World, Habitat for Humanity International’s flagship publication with a circulation of 1 million. While 1 million volunteers work with Habitat for Humanity each year, the BUiLD initiative calls upon participants to advance Habitat’s mission “off the build site” by joining Habitat’s social media circles; performing fun, simple actions online; raising funds; and inviting friends to do the same.

The photo challenge kicks off a series of BUiLD-themed corporate partnerships, digital activities, and a premium line of apparel and merchandise that will be available for purchase on habitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

About Nissan Americas
In the Americas, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at nissanusa.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011 World Car of the Year award. For more information on Nissan’s products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com/EN/.